I have been eyeing the H3T's for a while now. I decided funds are right and I want to get me one. My question is, what am I looking for? I see listings for H3T's, H3T Alpha, etc. I also saw there was a 5 Cyl vs and 8 Cyl. I drove a 5 cyl H3 rental once and I'm thinking the 8 Cyl would work out good for me. What kind of mileage do the the 8 Cyl models get? I like to hunt and fish alot so is this something I can get dirty? From my research, it looks like a 2" leveling kit is pretty cheap. It seems to make the truck look alot better. What are your ideas or thoughts? Sorry for all the Newbie questions!

Thanks a million!

 

Sounds like you want an H3t Alpha (v8) with offroad package (gets you lockers). No need for a leveling kit, just crank the t-bars (search the forums for specifics). MPG isn't great, but IIRC the difference between the I5 and V8 isn't much at all. One other option I'd look for is the backup camera. Very convenient.

Yes, this is something you can get dirty. I use mine for camping, fishing, and the occasional wheeling trip. These are very capable offroad vehicles.

 

I have the v-8 Alpha and I get 15 mpg with an automatic.

 

The one I found that I'm putting my eye on is a 09 H3T Alpha with the V8 and a slant cover over the bed. I don't know if I am sold on the cover or not, but it would be handy as hell I'm thinking. Did they make an offroad and non offroad alpha package?

Thanks!

 

First off, welcome!

I’d definitely recommend picking up an H3T if you get the chance!

As far as what the differences are between the types, the biggest features are as follows:

H3T base model gives you the 5 cyl engine.
-You can get either a manual or automatic tranny

H3T Alpha model gives you the V8.
-Only automatic tranny


With either the base model or the Alpha you can get the “Off Road Package” (often called “Adventure Package”). This is a good thing to get if you plan on taking the truck off-road a lot. The biggest feature of the off road package is front and rear locking differentials. You also get bigger OEM tires (33 inch versus 32 inch); although, if you will be putting your own tires on, that doesn’t really matter.

There are options for cloth or leather seats, DVD navigation with display screen versus the standard radio, etc. That stuff isn’t as important to me personally.


I have an Alpha model with the Off Road Package. I think the V8 is worth it, especially if you plan on hauling a lot of gear.


I wouldn’t waste my time with the leveling kit. The torsion bar-type front suspension gives you a good bit of adjustment. I don’t have a leveling kit, but this is how my truck sits:






And can you get these trucks dirty?
Yes.

 

Exactly what Beit said except the Adventure package also comes with the VERY Important 4:1 transfercase!

Our 09 H3T has the I5 and a manual transmission with lots of extra weight (bumper, winch, Sliderz, 315s, UCP, rack, etc) and Mr. "T" moves out pretty darn well and gets a decent 13.5-16mpg depending on who is driving (I get 13.5mpg!).

If you plan on ever wheeling it get the Adventure(I5) or OffRoad(V8) package. The front/rear lockers and 4:1 T-case make a huge difference in the ability to get over obsticles with the longer wheelbase.

Don't waste your $ on a "leveling kit". The same height can be gained by a simple torsion bar adjustment and alignment.

Hell Yes they can get dirty (just protect your investment) and haul a ton of stuff too!













Beachbum


NY ESU


Recovery21


Recovery21

 

More Gettin' Dirty H3Ts!

CBphoto










Recovery21







I'm sure Recovery21 will be here soon to post more opinions on the H3T and pix!!



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Oh my... you can wheel these things??? I used to have a lifted Suzuki Samurai with all the bells and whistles that I wheeled like crazy! But my sami was only like a $5K investment... don't know if I could wheel a $30K H3T!!

 

Here are a couple pics I found of the one I'm looking at. Does it look like it has an Off-road Package? I included an exterior as well as a interior picture.

 

Nope! That T is not an OffRoad/Adventure package T!

The easiest way to tell is to look at the interior shot you have posted. On the 4x4 control panel you will have 2 locker buttons on the right side of the airbag indicator. The OffRoad/Adventure package also came with 285/75R16 Duellers (33") vs the 265/75R16 (32") but some dealers put the 33" on non OffRoad/Adventure package vehicles after the customers asked for the "big tires".


This is just a photo from the internet, I know it does not show the lower switch positions correctly.